Conditioning apparatus for woven fabric and the like



J. T. BOYES Dec. 25, 1956 CONDITIONING APPARATUS FOR WOVEN FABRIC ANDTHE LIKE Filed May 26, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.'- JOHN T. BOYESBYP- M Ma, amen/@9025 AT 'YS .1- T. BOYES Dec. 25, 1956 CONDITIONINGAPPARATUS FOR WOVEN FABRIC AND THE LIKE Filed May 26, 1953 heats-Sheet 2INVENTORJ- JOH N T BOYES BY.- WM, @oox/ o ATT'YS J. T. BOYES Dec. 25,1956 CONDITIONING APPARATUS FOR WOVEN FABRIC AND THE LIKE 3 Sheets-Sheet3 Filed May 26, 1955 oh Oh INVENTOR.' JOHN BOYES ATT'Ys United StatesPatentO CoNDITIoNiNG APPARATUS FOR WOVEN FABRIC AND THE LIKE John T.Boyes, Quincy, 111.

Application May 26, 1953, Serial No. 357,523

12 Claims. ((31. 2668) The present invention relates in general to theconditioning of curtains and draperies after dry-cleaning to restore theoriginal size and shape thereof and to revive the original sheen orfinish of the curtain or drapery material, the invention having moreparticular reference to improved apparatus for supporting, steaming,stretching, shaping, and aerating drapery and curtain material in orderto recondition and rejuvenate the same following dry-cleaning thereof.

Drapery and curtain materials usually lose their original size, shape,and finish or sheen when subjected to dry-cleaning procedures, and animportant object of the present invention is to provide for therestoration of drapery and curtain materials to desired size and shape,and the revival of the original finish thereof after drycleaning; afurther object being to provide suitable apparatus operable to sorecondition curtain and drapery materials; a still further'object beingto provide improved apparatus in which drapery and curtain materials maybe mounted and stretched to desired size and shape while being exposedto the action of live steam, and including means operable to dry thestretched material after the same has been steamed.

Another important object of the invention is to provide improved meansfor clamping panels of drapery or curtain material in conditioningmechanism of the character mentioned; a further object being to provideimproved pneumatically operable clamping mechanism adapted to be quicklyand easily disposed in clamping position and as readily retracted toinactive position entirely clear of the clamped material; a stillfurther object being to provide a drapery clamp comprising a clampingbar disposed in position to clampingly engage an end of a panel ofdrapery or curtain material, pneumatically operable clamping meansadapted quickly and easily to be disposed in position to clampinglypress upon the clamping. bar and as readily to be retracted to inactiveposition, entirely clear of saidbar, and means for rockingly suspendingthe clamping bar so 'that it also may be rocked to inactive positionoutwardly of and entirely clear of material previously clamped thereby.

Another important object resides in providing a pair of spaced apartclamps suitably supported on a frame and adapted to clampingly engagethe opposite ends of panels of drapery or curtain material, includingmeans driving the pinion in order to shift said clamp on the frame.

Another important object is to provide improved means for applying livesteam to panels of drapery or curtain material; a further object beingto employ a plurality of spaced apart steam pipes having spaced apartoutlet openings therein, 'said pipes extending-between" r 2,775,020Patented Dec.-25, 1956 ICC 2 spaced apart headers interconnecting theopposite ends of the pipes, a layer of foraininous material overlyingsaid pipes, the means for suspending drapery or curtain fmate'r'ialto'b'e treated above the screen to thereby expose the same substantiallyuniformly to steam delivered from said pipes through the screen.

Another important object is to provide apparatus of the charactermentioned comprising an elongated, preferably rectangular frame,stationary clamping means mounted. on the frame at one end thereof,movable clamping means mounted on the frame for longitudinal movementthereon toward and away from the stationary clamping means, steamemitting means extending in said frame between the opposite ends thereofin position to apply steam upon fabric panels stre'tchingly secured toand extending between the stationary and movable clamping means; afurther object being to provide means on the frame, preferably at oneend thereof, in position to emit dry air longitudinally of the frametoward the opposite end thereof beneath drapery material secured to andstretched between the stationary and movable clamping means anotherobject being to provide improved frame supporting pedestals at theopposite ends of the frame and on which the frame is tiltingly mounted;yet a further object being, to employ a single upright pedestal at eachend of the frame, the pedestal providing pivotal support for mountingthe frame for tilting movement about a pivot axle on one side of thecenter of gravity thereof, the frame providing also an upwardly facingsupport bearing spaced from said axle in position to engage the framesubstantially at or adjacent the longitudinal axis through the center ofgravity thereof and preferably on the side of said axis remote from saidaxle.

The foregoing and numerous other important objects, advantages andinherent functions of the invention will become apparent as the same ismore fully understood from the following description, which, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferredembodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. his a top view of drapery forming apparatus embodying the presentinvention; and

Figs. 2 and 3 respectively are side and end views of the apparatus shownin Fig. 1'.

To illustrate the invention the drawings show apparatus for conditioningwoven'fabric and the like, especially drapery fabric and curtainmaterials, by steaming, stretching, and drying the fabric in stretchedcondition, said apparatus comprising an elongated frame 11 of preferablyrectangular configuration having spaced apart longitudinally extendingside members 12 and 12, and transversely extending end members 13 and 13respectively forming the front and rear sides and the head and foot endsof the frame. While the members 12, 12', 13, and 13"may have anysuitable or preferred form, the same respectively may compriselongitudinally extending metal channels and transversely extendingtubes,

thetubes extending between the opposite ends of the channels -and; beingsecured thereto in any suitable fashion, as by means of bolts 14penetrating the webs of the channels and havingthreaded engagement inelongated steam headers 16 and '16 extending transversely substantiallyentirely across the frame between the longitudinal frame members 12 and12'. The header 16 is preferably disposed inwardly of and closelyadjacent the end member 13 at the head of the frame, while the header 16may be disposed inwardly of the end member 13 at the foot of the frame,The opposite ends of the headers 16 and 16 may be provided withembossments 17 carrying threaded stems 18 fitted with nuts 19. Means 20is provided for securing the stems 18 on the side members 12. The facingsides of the headers 16 and 16 may be provided with a plurality ofspaced apart bosses 21 threaded for the reception of pipe couplings 22whereby steam pipes 23 may be secured each at the opposite ends thereofrespectively in registering bosses 21 of the headers 16 and 16'.

The pipes 23, accordingly, will extend longitudinally of the frame 11 inspaced apart preferably parallel sideby-side relationship. Each of thesteam pipes 23 at intervals therein may be formed with lateralperforations 24 providing nozzles through which steam may be emittedupwardly of the pipes. A steam condensate collecting pan 25 preferablyof generally rectangular shape and sized to extend substantially betweenthe headers 16 and 16 and between the side members 12 and 12 of theframe, may be secured at its opposite ends upon the headers 16 and 16'in position extending beneath the pipes 23. In this connection, the pan25 may be provided with upstanding end walls 26 formed with perforationsfor receiving the couplings 22 whereby the end walls 26 may be securedto the headers 16 and 16 at the bosses 21 by the couplings 22. The pan25 may also be formed with upstanding side walls 27 having extensions atthe opposite ends thereof disposed in alinement with the end embossments17 of the headers 16 and 16', said extensions of the walls 27 beingperforated for the accommodation of the stems 18 whereby the oppositeends of the walls 27 may be clampingly secured to the headers 16 and 16'by and between the embossments 17 and the nuts 19.

The bottom of the pan 25 may be and preferably is slightly inclineddownwardly toward a condensate drain 28 formed therein at any convenientlocation, said bottom, as shown, being thus inclined downwardly toward.the head end of the frame, adjacent the header 16, the pan bottompreferably being also downwardly inclined transversely of the frame astoward itsrearward member 12,; and the pan bottom may be provided withthe drain 28 at the lowermost portion thereof, as at the pan-corneradjacent the header 16 and the frame member 12.

The headers 16 and 16' may also be provided with bottoms downwardlyinclined toward one side of the frame. 11, the header bottoms being thusinclined downwardly toward the rear side 12 of the frame and providedwith condensate drains 28. Suitable drainage valves or removable plugsmay be provided for opening the drains 28 and 28 at desired intervalsfor; the removal of accumulated liquid. The upper edges: of the sidewalls 26 and 27 of the condensate pan 25 may lie substantially inacommon plane with-the tops-of the headers 16 and 16', and a sheet 29 offoraminous material may be applied in position covering the open top ofthe condensate pan, such sheet extending above and in position overlyingthe pipes 23. In order to strengthen and rigidity the pam 25, the. samemay be provided with transversely extending rods 30 disposed in parallelspaced-apart relationship and secured at the opposite ends thereof totheopposite side walls 27 of the pan, said rods 30-being secured to theupper edges of the pan side walls 27 in position extending above andresting upon the pipes 23, the medial portions of the foraminous layer29 being supported on the transverse rods 30. The layer 29 may compriseany s t le o rr d ami usm t ria uchs Carpe w r m sh. r, s re m terial:

coveringthe foraminous layer 29. The cover sheet-31,

A. tQP cov r af wov tt bri heeti 3. .In v e pplie zin p i u if desired,may extend at its opposite ends in position overlying and enclosing theheaders 16 and 16'.

A transversely extending dependant bracket 32 may be mounted on theframe 11, as on the longitudinal side members 12 and 12' thereof, at thehead end of the frame, in position to support an air blower 33 beneaththe medial portions of the header 16, the air blower having a fanlikedischarge nozzle 34 extending between the frame member 13 and the header16. .The nozzle 34 may open immediately above the header 16 in adirection facing in the longitudinal direction of the frame and awayfrom the head end thereof. If desired, the intake side of the blower 33may be connected with means for supplying heated air to the blower, inorder to deliver warm air through the nozzle 34.

Suitable means 35 may be provided for mounting panels of drapery orcurtain material upon the frame 11 in position extending above the steamstructure 15 and above the air delivery nozzle 34, so that the somounted material may be exposed to the action of steam and also to theaction of air delivered through the nozzle 34-. In that connection themounting means 35 may provide for clamping the opposite ends of thepanels of curtain or drapery material and for stretching said panels onthe frame 11 above the steaming table 15.

To these ends the mounting means 35 may comprise a pair of preferablyidentical clamping structures 36 and 36, the one mounted as at the headend of the frame adjacent the header 1.6, and the other mounted upon ashiftable carriage 37 supported on the frame 11 and movablelongitudinally of the frame members 12 and 12. The carriage 37 maycomprise a pair of brackets 38 and 38 respectively mountedupon the frontand rear side members 12 and 12' of the frame. Each bracket may comprisea side plate portion 49 adapted to overlie the outwardly facing side ,ofthe longitudinal frame member 12 or 12' on, whichit is mounted and a topplate portion 41 adapted to overlie the upwardly facing side of suchlongitudinal frame member. Theplate portion 40 of each bracket may beformed with a pair of spaced apart brackets 42 carrying wheels42.-adjacent the opposite ends of the bracket in position to rollinglyengage track forming meanson the frame member, whereby to support thebrackets 38 and 38' each for movement longitudinally of itscorresponding frame members 12 and 12', said track forming meansconveniently comprising the lowermost flanges of the channels formingthe longitudinal frame members.

The side plate portions 40 of the brackets 38 and 38' extend downwardlyof the members 12 and 12' on which said brackets are mounted; and thebrackets may be rigidly interconnected by. meansof transverse membersextending therebetween and secured thereto above as well as below themembers 12 and, 12f, so that the brackets 38. and 38' and the transversemembers secured thereto may form a rigid frame structure comprising thecarriage 37 longitudinally. movable on the frame. To this end, atransverse member 43 may be secured at its 0ppositeends uponthe topplate portions 41 of the brackets 38 and 38' in position extendingtransversely of the frame 11 above the steaming table 15. Thistransverse member 43 preferably comprises a metal channel secured on thebrackets .38 and 38' in any suitable .or preferred fashion, as bymeansof. the bolts44; If desired, an additional transverse niember or'm'embers'may be secured on the plate portions41iof thebracketsr3ls and3.8. in position extending ahoyethe steaming table 15 in order torigidity, the carriage structure .37, although in the illustratedembodiment, only a single transverse member 43 is shown in positionextending above the steaming table structure.

The carriage structure 3.7,,h0wever may also include a Pair fdr ng l f s4.5...au f46 xtending ran versely 9f a ihene th the-t am ll sai u haftsh ingsec at ei ppo i en s suitabl ljqurrials:fonne on th plate portions40. of the brackets 38 and38'. The shaft together.

46 may carry a pair of gears 47 drivingly secured thereon, at theopposite ends thereof, in position to engage driving pinions secured onthe shaft 45 in registration with the gears 47. One end of the shaft 45may extend outwardly of the bracket 38, at the front side of the frame,and may carry a manually operable hand wheel 49, accessible from thefront side of the frame, for the purpose of turning the shaft 45 andthus turn the shaft 46 through the pinions and gears 47. The shaft 46may carry a pair of pinions 50 and 50 thereon in position eachrespectively disposed beneath a corresponding one of the frame members12 and 12', said pinions being drivingly connected each with acorresponding rack 51 mounted on the under side of the associated framemembers 12 and 12'. It will be seen that the shafts 45 and 46 comprisetransverse frame members interconnecting the brackets 38 and 38' beneaththe frame 11 and steam table structure 15, whereby to strengthen andrigidify the carriage structure 37. If desired, additional transversemembers may be mounted between and interconnected with the plateportions 40 of the brackets 38 and 38.

It will be seen from the foregoing that, by manipulating the drivingwheel 49, the carriage 37 may be moved longitudinally of the frame 11 bythe powerful driving action of the gears, racks and pinions 47, 50 and51. Accordingly, the spacement between the frame mounted clampingmechanism 36 and the carriage mounted, clamping mechanism 36' may beadjusted at will. As a consequence, panels of drapery or curtainmaterial, secured at the opposite ends thereof in the clampingstructures 36 and 36, may be stretched to any desired extent byadjusting the spaccment of the structures 36 and 36' by operation of thedriving wheel 49. Manually operable carriage latching means may also beprovided for securing the carriage in any desired adjusted positionlongitudinally of the frame 11. To this end a stub shaft 52 may bemounted in a suitable bearing formed in the plate portion 40 of thebracket 38 adjacent the driving wheel 49, said stub shaft being movablelongitudinally in its bearing and carrying an operating knob in positionexposed outwardly of the plate portion 40 at the front side of the frame11. Inwardly of the plate portion 40 the stub shaft 52 may be formed forselective interlocking engagement with the teeth of the rack 51 so that,by operating the shaft mounted handle outwardly of the plate portion 40,the carriage structure 37 may be either anchored in longitudinallyadjusted position on the frame 11, or may be released for movementlongitudinally of the frame.

The clamping structures 36 and 36' may be of identical construction, thestructure 36 being mounted and supported entirely upon the transverselyextending carriage frame member 43. The clamping structure 36, however,may be mounted and supported upon the frame 11, as at the head endthereof. As shown, the clamping structure 36 may be mounted upon atransverse support member 43', which may comprise a metal channelidentical to the member 43, the member 43' being mounted as by means ofbolts 44' upon the frame members 12 at the head end of the frame 11,immediately above the. end member 13. Each of the structures 36 and 36'may comprise a clamping member 53 secured upon one of the transversemounting members 43 or 43, said clamping member 53 preferably comprisingan elongated bar of wood enclosed and enveloped preferably in paddedfabric and secured upon the mounting member 43 or 43 as by means offastening screws applied from the under side of and through the mountingmember and into the member 53.

Each clamping structure 36 and 36' also may include a clamping member 54adapted to extend vertically above its cooperating member 53 in positionto clampingly secure panels of drapery or curtain material between themembers 53 and 54 when the same are clampingly pressed The clampingmember 54, like the member 53, may comprise a bar of wood enclosed inpaddedfabric and movably mountedon a pair of spaced apart clampingelements 55. 7

Each clamping element 55 may comprise a preferably cylindrical uprightsupport 56 secured at one end in a flanged support member 57, the member57, in turn, being secured on a mounting bracket 58 fastened to thetransverse mounting beam 43 or 43'. A mounting clamp 59 may be securedadjustably at a desired elevation upon the lower portions of the uprightsupport 56, in each of the clamp srtuctures 55, the bracket 59 carryinga plate 60 secured thereto and formed with an -L-shaped slot 61. A pairof spaced apart brackets 62 may be fastened to the bar 54 inwardly ofthe opposite ends thereof. These brackets 62 may be formed each with apin portion 63 in position extending in the slot 61 of a correspondingbracket plate 60. The clamp bar 54, accordingly, will be free forvertical movement with respect to the cooperating bar 53, such movementbeing guided. by the pins 63 moving in the vertical portions of theL-shaped slots 61. The bar 54 also may be rotated upwardly and away fromthe bar 53, while the pins 63 are disposed at the lower ends of theslots 61, into retracted position resting against the upright members56. When in such position the bar 54 may be substantially latched bygravity action through movement of the pins 63 to the ends of thehorizontal portions of the slots 61 remote from the uprights 56. When insuch retracted position, the bar 54 of course will be disposed inoutwardly offset position with respect to the lower clamping bar 53,thereby facilitating the application of drapery or curtain material uponthe lower clamping bar 53. To aid in moving the shiftable clamp bar 54between retracted and active positions, the same may be, and preferablyis, provided with a pair of handles 64.

The upper end of each support member 56 may also carry a clamp 65 whichmay be vertically adjustable thereon. Said clamp may carry a collar 66turnably mounted thereon and supporting an outstanding arm 67. The arm67, in turn, may carry preferably pneumatic clamping means comprising acylinder 68 and enclosed piston connected with an axial stem 69,projecting outwardly of the cylinder, at the lower end thereof, inposition to engage with the clamping bar 54 when the same is in activeclamping position vertically above the cooperating clamp bar 53. Byvirtue of the turning action of the sleeve 66 on the clamp 65, it willbe obvious that; the clamping means 68 may be disposed in active posi--tion, in vertical alinement above the clamping bars 53 and 54, or may beswung to inactive position entirely offset with respect to said clampingbars.

The arrangement, whereby the clamping means 68, a well as the clampingbar 54, may be disposed in retracted position entirely offset withrespect to the clamping bar 53, is an important feature of the presentinvention, since it allows complete freedom of access within the spaceabove the lower clamping bar 53, when the upper bar 54 and the clampingmeans 68 are in retracted position, thereby greatly facilitating thedisposition of drapery and curtain material in position to be clampedupon the lower clamping bar. After material to be clamped has thus beenpositioned, the upper clamping bar 54 and cooperating clamping device 68may be quickly and easily projected to active clamping position.

A flexible air hose 70 may be provided for connecting each of thecylinder devices 68 with a suitable source of compressed air for theoperation of the clamping means 55. To this end means may be providedfor communicating the hose 70, through the hollow column 56,

the support collar 57 and the bracket 58, with an air supply pipe 70'which extends within the channel 43 or 43'. The supply pipe 70 may beconnected with both of the flexible conduits 70- as at the junction ofthe brackets 58 with the channel members 43 or 4.3, supply pipe 70'extending thence to the end of the channel member at the front side ofthe frame... A manually operable valve 71 for controlling the operationof the clamping devices 55 may be connected in the supply pipe 70' inposition readily accessible for operation at the front side of the frame11. From the valve 71 the air supply pipe 70' may extend within thechannel 43 or 43' to the opposite or back side of the frame, and maythere be connected, as at 72, with suitable, preferably flexible,conduit means for supplying air under pressure for the operation of theclamps 55 under the control of the valve means 71.

In operation, a panel or panels of drapery or curtain material may firstbe arranged in position and clamped, at the opposite ends thereof,between the bar members 53 and 54 of the clamping structures 36 and 36,by operation of the clamp control valves 71. Steam may then be deliveredinto the headers 16 and 16' and the connected pipes 23 of the steamtable, through a steam supply line 73 which may be connected with eitherof the headers, the supply line being preferably connected with theheader 16 at the foot end of the frame 11. The supply line 73 mayinclude a control valve 74 adapted for manual operation, as by means ofa movable rod connected with the valve and extending thence to the frontside of the frame 11, the rod being provided with a manually operablehandle accessible to the operator of the equipment at the front side ofthe frame.

By operation of the valve 74, steam may be admitted to the pipes 23 anddisseminated thence through the nozzle openings 24 and through theforaminous screen 29 and the screen cover 31, to thereby permeate thedrapery or curtain fabric panels, mounted in the clamps 36 and 36',substantially uniformly with steam, and thus relax the fibers of thefabric to permit the same to be stretched. After the fabric material hasbeen steamed during a desired interval, the handle 49 may be turned inorder to move the carriage 37 in a direction to separate the clamp 36'from the clamp 36 and thus stretch the clamped drapery or curtainmaterial to a desired extent.

After the clamped fabric material has thus been extended to a desiredlength between the clamps 36 and 36, the supply of steam to the headersand pipes 23 may be cut off by closing the valve 74, after which theblower 33 may be actuated, as by electrically energizing a blowerconnected driving motor through operation of a suitable switch in themotor energizing circuit. Opera.- tion of the blower, of course, willdirect a current of dry and, if desired, warm air through the nozzle 34and beneath the material, in stretched condition between the clamps 36and 36, to thereby dry the steamed fibers of the material. When thematerial has become dry, operation of the blower 33 may be discontinued,the clamps 36 and 36 may be released, and the dried, stretched andreconditioned drapery material removed from the equipment.

Any suitable or preferred means may of course be provided for mountingand supporting the frame 11 and the apparatus mounted thereon in desiredoperating position. Since, however, the frame 11 is of relatively largearea as compared with its thickness, and since the equipment is adaptedto be used intermittently, the present invention contemplates theprovision of relatively simple and inexpensive means for mounting theframe, at will, either in horizontal operating position or in aninactive position extending substantially in a vertical plane, so thatthe equipment will occupy a minimum of useful floor space when not inuse.

To this end, the frame 11 may be mounted upon spaced pedestals 75, oneat each of the opposite ends of the frame. The pedestals 75 may eachcomprise an upright tubular member fitted with a base plate 7d at oneend, and a cap plate 77 at the other. I Suitable means may be providedfor anchoring the base plate on a supporting structure, such as thefloor on which the apparatus is mounted for use. The capplate, on oneside of the upright member 75, may be formed with an upstanding bracketcarrying a pivot pin 78. A mounting clamp 79 may be securely, yetdetachably fastened upon each of the end members 13 and 13 of the frame11. Each of the clamps 79 may thus be applied upon the member 13 or 13'on one side of the longitudinal center line 80 of the frame structure,which center line comprises .an axis extending substantially through thecenter of gravity of the structure. Each of the clamps 79 is pivotallymounted upon the pivot pin 78 of its corresponding pedestal 75 wherebythe frame 11 may be swung on the pivot pins 78 to a vertical position byelevating the front side of the frame, while lowering the rear sidethereof.

The cap plate 77, on the side of the upright 75, remote from the pin 78,may be provided with an upstanding pillow member 31, secured on theplate 77, in any suitable or preferred fashion, and providing anupwardly facing pocket adapted to bearingly receive the side of theassociated end member 13 or 13', when the same is in horizontalposition, to thereby support the frame 11 in horizontal operatingposition on the member 81 and the pivot pins it; of the spaced pedestals'75, the pillow members 81 and pins 78 being preferably disposed inposition to engage the members 13 and 13 on opposite sides of the centerline 80.

It is thought that the invention and its numerous attendant advantageswill be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it isobvious that numerous changes may be made in the form, construction andarrangement of the several parts without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention, or sacrificing any of its attendant advantages,the form herein disclosed being a preferred embodiment for the purposeof illustrating the invention.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. in a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material on said frame in positionfor exposure to a fabric conditioning medium, said carrying meansincluding fabric clamping means on said frame, at one end thereof, forgripping fabric to be conditioned, a carriage shiftable on said frametoward and away from said clamping means, a fabric clamp on saidcarriage for clampingly gripping the fabric to be conditioned, fluidoperated clamp actuating means on said carriage, including conduit andcontrol valve means for supplying fluid under pressure for the operationof said actuating means, means for shifting said carriage on said frameto stretch said material between said fabric clamp and said clampingmeans during exposure thereof to the conditioning medium, and meansoperable to dry out the material after exposure thereof to said medium.

2. In a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material in stretched condition onsaid frame, in position to be exposed to a selected conditioning mediumadapted to be applied to the supported fabric material by associatedmedium emitting means, said carrying means comprising an elongatedclamping member supported transversely of the frame, a cooperatingclamping bar, and support means selectively positionable to mount thebar in active position for parallel clamping movement, toward and awayfrom said clamping member along a guided path, and to carry said bar ininactive position offset outwardly of said path, and thrust meansoperable upon said bar when in active position for pressing the sametoward said clamping member.

3. In a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material in stretched condition onsaid frame, in position to be exposed to a selected conditioning mediumadapted to be applied to the supported fabric material by associatedmedium emitting means, said carrying means comprising an elongatedclamping member supported transversely of the frame, a cooperatingclamping bar, and

, together.

46 may carry a pair of gears 47 drivingly secured thereon, at theopposite ends thereof, in position to engage driving pinions secured onthe shaft 45 in registration with the gears 47. One end of the shaft 45may extend outwardly of the bracket 38, at the front side of the frame,and may carry a manually operable hand wheel 49, accessible from thefront side of the frame, for the purpose of turning the shaft 45 andthus turn the shaft 46 through the pinions and gears 47. The shaft 46may carry a pair of pinions 50 and 50 thereon in position eachrespectively disposed beneath a corresponding one of the frame members12 and 12, said pinions being drivingly connected each with acorresponding rack 51 mounted on the under side of the associated framemembers 12 and 12. It will be seen that the shafts 45 and 46 comprisetransverse frame members interconnecting the brackets 33 and 38' beneaththe frame 11 and steam table structure 15, whereby to strengthen andrigidify the carriage structure 37. If desired, additional transversemembers may be mounted between and interconnected with the plate porions40 of the brackets 38 and 38.

It will be seen from the foregoing that, by manipulating the drivingwheel 49, the carriage 37 may be moved longitudinally of the frame 11 bythe powerful driving action of the gears, racks and pinions 47, 50 and51. Accordingly, the spacement between the frame mounted clampingmechanism 36 and the carriage mounted clamping mechanism 36' may beadjusted at will. As a consequence, panels of drapery or curtainmaterial, secured at the opposite ends thereof in the clampingstructures 36 and 36, may be stretched to any desired extent byadjusting the spacement of the structures 36 and 36' by operation of thedriving wheel 49. Manually operable carriage latching means may also beprovided for securing the carriage in any desired adjusted positionlongitudinally of the frame 11. To this end a stub shaft 52 may bemounted in a suitable bearing formed in the plate portion 40 of thebracket 38 adjacent the driving wheel 49, said stub shaft being movablelongitudinally in its bearing and carrying an operating knob in positionexposed outwardly of the plate portion 40 at the front side of the frame11. Inwardly of the plate portion 40 the stub shaft 52 may be formed forselective interlocking engagement with the teeth of the rack 51 so that,by operating the shaft mounted handle outwardly of the plate portion 40,the carriage structure 37 may be either anchored in longitudinallyadjusted position on the frame 11, or may be released for movementlongitudinally of the frame.

The clamping structures 36 and 36' may be of identical construction, thestructure 36' being mounted and supported entirely upon the transverselyextending carriage frame member 43. The clamping structure 36, however,may be mounted and supported upon the frame 11, as at the head endthereof. As shown, the clamping structure 36 may be mounted upon atransverse support member 43', which may comprise a metal channelidentical to the member 43, the member 43' being mounted as by means ofbolts 44' upon the frame members 12 at the head end of the frame 11,immediately above the end member 13. Each of the structures 36 and 36'may comprise a clamping member 53 secured upon one of the 'of andthrough the mounting member and into the member 53.

Each clamping structure 36 and 36 also may include a clamping member 54adapted to extend vertically above its cooperating member 53 in positionto clampingly secure panels of drapery or curtain material between'themembers 53 and 54 when the same are clampingly pressed The clampingmember 54, like the member 53, may" comprise a bar of wood enclosedinpaddedfabric and movably mounted on a pair of spaced apart clampingelements 55. I p

Each clamping element 55 may comprise a preferably cylindrical uprightsupport 56 secured at one end in a flanged support member 57, the member57, in turn, being secured on a mounting bracket 58 fastened to thetransverse mounting beam 43 or 43'. A mounting clamp 59 may be securedadjustably at a desired elevation upon the lower portions of the uprightsupport56, in each of the clamp srtuctures 55, the bracket 59 carrying aplate 6i) secured thereto and formed with an L-shaped slot 61. A pair ofspaced apart brackets 62 may be fastened to the bar 54 inwardly of theopposite ends thereof. These brackets 62 may be formed each with a pinportion 63 in position extending in the slot 61 of a correspondingbracket plate 60. The clamp bar 54, accordingly, will be free forvertical movement with respect to the cooperating bar 53, such movementbeing guided by the pins 63 moving in the vertical portions of theL-shaped slots 61. The bar 54 also may be rotated upwardly and away fromthe bar 53, while the pins 63 are disposed at the lower ends of theslots 61, into retracted position resting against the upright members56. When in such position the bar 54 may be substantially latched bygravity action through movement of the pins 63 to the ends of thehorizontal portions of the slots 61 remote from the uprights 56. When insuch retracted position, the bar 54 of course will be disposed inoutwardly offset position with respect to the lower clamping bar 53,thereby facilitating the application of drapery or curtain material uponthe lower clamping bar 53. To aid in moving the shiftable clamp bar 54between retracted and active positions, the same may be, and preferablyis, provided with a pair of handles 64.

The upper end of each support member 56 may also carry a clamp 65 whichmay. be vertically adjustable thereon. Said clamp may carry a collar 66turnably mounted thereon and supporting an outstanding arm 67. The arm67, in turn, may carry preferably pneumatic clamping means comprising acylinder 68 and enclosed piston connected with an axial stem 69,projecting outwardly of the cylinder, at the lower end thereof, inposition to engage with the clamping bar 54 when the same is in activeclamping position vertically above the cooperating clamp bar 53. Byvirtue of the turning action of the sleeve 66 on the clamp 65, it willbe obvious that the clamping means 68 may be disposed in activeposition, in vertical alinement above the clamping bars 53 and 54, ormay be swung to inactive position entirely offset with respect to saidclamping bars.

The arrangement, whereby the clamping means 68, as Well as the clampingbar 54, may be disposed in re-- tracted position entirely offset withrespect to the clamping bar 53, is an important feature of the presentinvention, since it allows complete freedom of access within the spaceabove the lower clamping bar 53, when the: upper bar 54 and the clampingmeans 68 are in retracted position, thereby greatly facilitating thedisposition of drapery and curtain material in position to be clampedupon the lower clamping bar. After material to be clamped has thus beenpositioned, the upper clamping bar 54 and cooperating clamping device 68may be quickly and easily projected to active clamping position.

A flexible air hose 70 may be provided for connecting each of thecylinder devices 68 with a suitable source of compressed air for theoperation of the clamping means 55. To this end means may be providedfor communicating the hose 70, through the hollow column 56,

the support collar 57 and the bracket 58, with an air supply pipe 70which extends within the channel 43 or 43'. The supply pipe 70' may beconnected with both of the flexible conduits 70 as at the junction ofthe brackets 58 with the channel members 43 or 43', supply pipe 70extending thence to the end of the channel member at the frontside ofthe frame. A manually 7 operable valve 71 f r controlling the operation.of the clamping devices 55 may be connected in the supply pipe 70- inposition readily accessible for operation at the front side of the frame11. From the valve 71 the air supply pipe 70' may extend within thechannel 43 or 43' to the opposite or back side of the frame, and maythere be connected, as at 72, with suitable, preferably flexible,conduit means for supplying air under pressure for the operation of theclamps 55 under the control of the valve means 71.

In. operation, a panel or panels of drapery or curtain material mayfirst be arranged in position and clamped, at the opposite ends thereof,between the bar members 53 and 54 of the clamping structures 36 and 36,by operation of the clamp control valves '71. Steam may then bedelivered into the headers 16 and 16 and the connected pipes 23. of thesteam table, through a steam supply line 73 which may be connected witheither of the headers, the supply line being preferably connected withthe header 16" at the foot end of the frame 11. line 73 may include acontrol valve 74 adapted for manual operation, as by means of a movablerod 7'5 connected with the valve and extending thence to the front sideof the frame 11, the rod being provided with a manually operable handleaccessible to the operator of the equipment at the front side of theframe.

By operation of the valve 74, steam may be admitted to the pipes 23 anddisseminated thence through the nozzle openings 24 and through theforaminous screen 29 and the screen cover 31, to thereby permeate thedrapery or curtain fabric panels, mounted in the clamps 36 and 36,substantially uniformly with steam, and thus relax the fibers of thefabric to permit the same to be stretched. After the fabric material hasbeen steamed during a desired interval, the handle 49 may be turned 5 inorder to move the carriage 37 in a direction to separate the clamp 36'from the clamp 36 and thus stretch the clamped drapery or curtainmaterial to a desired extent.

After the clamped fabric material has thus been extended to a desiredlength between the clamps 36 and 36', the supply of steam to the headersand pipes 23 may be cut off by closing the valve 74, after which theblower 33 may be actuated, as by electrically energizing a blowerconnected driving motor through operation of a suitable switch in themotor energizing circuit. Operation of the blower, of course, willdirect a current of dry and, if desired, warm air through the nozzle 34and beneath the material, in stretched condition between the clamps 36and 36, to thereby dry the steamed fibers of r the material. When thematerial has become dry, operation of the blower 33 may be discontinued,the clamps 36 and 36' may be released, and the dried, stretched andreconditioned drapery material removed from the equipment.

Any suitable or preferred means may of course be provided for mountingand supporting the frame 11 and the apparatus mounted thereon in desiredoperating posi tion. Since, however, the frame 11 is of relatively largearea as compared with its thickness, and since the equipment is adaptedto be used intermittently, the present invention contemplates theprovision of relatively simple and inexpensive means for mounting theframe, at will, either in horizontal operating position or in aninactive position extending substantially in a vertical plane, so thatthe equipment will occupy a minimum of useful floor space when not inuse.

To this end, the frame 11 may be mounted upon spaced pedestals 75, oneat each of the opposite ends of the frame. The pedestals 75 may eachcomprise an upright tubular member fitted with a base plate '76 at oneend, anda cap plate 77 at the other. Suitable means may be provided foranchoring the base plate on a sup porting structure, such as the flooron which the apparatus is mounted" for use. The cap plate, on one sideThe supply of the upright member 75, may be formed with an upstandingbracket carrying a pivot pin '78. A mounting clamp 79 may be securely,yet detachably fastened upon each of the end members 13 and 13' of theframe 11. Each of the clamps 79 may thus be applied upon the member 13or 13 on one side of the longitudinal center line 80 of the framestructure, which center line comprises .an axis extending substantiallythrough the center of gravity of the structure. Each of the clamps 79 ispivotally mounted upon the pivot pin '73 of its corresponding pedestal75 whereby the frame 11 may be swung on the pivot pins 78 to a verticalposition by elevating the front side of the frame, while lowering therear side thereof.

The cap plate 77, on the side of the upright 75, remote from the pin 78,may be provided with an upstanding pillow member 81, secured on theplate 77, in any suitable or preferred fashion, and providing anupwardly facing pocket adapted to bearingly receive the side of theassociated end member 13 or 13', when the same is in horizontalposition, to thereby support the frame 11 in horizontal operatingposition on the member 81 and the pivot pins 78 of the spaced pedestals75, the pillow members 81 and pins 78 being preferably disposed inposition to engage the members 13 and 13 on opposite sides of the centerline 80.

It is thought that the invention and its numerous attendant advantageswill be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it isobvious that numerous changes may be made in the form, construction andarrangement of the several parts without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention, or sacrificing any of its attendant advantages,the form herein disclosed being a preferred embodiment for the purposeof illustrating the invention.

T he invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. in a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material on said frame in positionfor exposure to a fabric conditioning medium, said carrying meansincluding fabric clamping means on said frame, at one end thereof, forgripping fabric to be conditioned, a carriage shiftable on said frametoward and away from said clamping means, a fabric clamp on saidcarriage for clampingly gripping the fabric to be conditioned, fluidoperated clamp actuating means on said carriage, including conduit andcontrol valve means for supplying fluid under pressure for the operationof said actuating means, means for shifting said carriage on said frameto stretch said material between said fabric clamp and said clampingmeans during exposure thereof to the conditioning medium, and meansoperable to dry out the material after exposure thereof to said medium.

2. In a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material in stretched condition onsaid frame, in position to be exposed to a selected conditioning mediumadapted to be applied to the supported fabric material by associatedmedium emitting means, said carrying means comprising an elongatedclamping member supported transversely of the frame, a cooperatingclamping bar, and support means selectively positionable to mount thebar in active position for parallel clamping movement, toward and awayfrom said clamping member along a guided path, and to carry said bar ininactive position offset outwardly of said path, and thrust meansoperable upon said bar when in active position for pressing the sametoward said clamping member.

3. In a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material in stretched condition onsaid frame, in position to be exposed to a selected conditioning mediumadapted to be applied to the supported fabric material by associatedmedium emitting means, said carrying means comprising anelongatedclamping member supported transversely of the frame,- a cooperatingclamping bar, and

support means selectively positionable to mount the bar in activeposition for parallel clamping movement, toward and away from saidclamping member along a guided path, and to carry said bar in inactiveposition ofiset outwardly of said path, and thrust means disposable inprojected position to operate upon said bar when the same is in activeposition for pressing the same toward said clamping member, said thrustmeans being disposable in retracted position entirely oifset from saidbar to permit the same to be shifted to inactive position offset withrespect to the clamp member.

4. In a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material in stretched condition onsaid frame, in position to be exposed to a selected conditioning mediumadapted to be applied to the supported fabric material by associatedmedium emitting means, said carrying means comprising a pair of clampingstructures mounted on the frame, and means operable to adjust thespacement of said structures on said frame, said structures eachcomprising an elongated clamping member supported transversely of theframe, a cooperating clamping bar, and support means selectivelypositionable to mount the-bar in active position for parallel clampingmovement, toward and away from said clamping member along a guided path,and to carry said bar in inactive position offset outwardly of saidpath, and thrust means operable upon said bar when in active positionfor pressing the same toward said clamping member.

5. In a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material in stretched condition onsaid frame, in position to be exposed to a selected conditioning mediumadapted to be applied to the supported fabric material by associatedmedium emitting means, said carryingmeans comprising a pair of clampingstructures mounted on the frame, and means operable to adjust thespacement of said structures on said frame, said structures eachcomprising an elon gated clamping member supported transversely of theframe, a cooperating clamping bar, and support means selectivelypositionable to mount the bar in active position for parallel clampingmovement, toward and away from said clamping member along a guided path,and to carry said bar in inactive position offset outwardly of saidpath, thrust means operable upon said bar when in active position forpressing the same toward said clamping member, and a carriage supportedand movable longitudinally of said frame, one of said structures beingmounted upon the frame at one end thereof and the other being mountedupon said longitudinally movable carriage.

6. In a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material in stretched condition onsaid frame, in position to be exposed to a selected conditioning mediumadapted to be applied to the supported fabric material by associatedmedium emitting means, said carrying means comprising a pair of clampingstructures mounted on the frame, and means operable to adjust thespacement of said structures on said frame, said structures eachcomprising an elongated clamping member supported transversely of theframe, a cooperating clamping bar, and support means selectivelypositionable to mount the bar in active position for parallel clampingmovement, toward and away from said clamping member along a guided path,and to carry said bar in inactive position offset outwardly of saidpath, thrust means operable upon said bar when in active position forpressing the same toward said clamping member, a carriage supported andmovable longitudinally of said frame, one of said structures beingmounted upon the frame at one end thereof and the other being mountedupon said longitudinally movable carriage, said frame being providedwith a longitudinally extending rack, said carriage having a rackengaging pinion and a turnable drive wheel, and gear means drivinglyconnecting the wheel with the pinion.

7. In a device for conditioning fabric material coin prising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material in stretched condition onsaid frame, in position to be exposed to a selected conditioning mediumadapted to be applied to the supported fabric material by associatedmedium emitting means, said carrying means comprising a pair of clampingstructures mounted on the frame, and means operable to adjust thespacement of said structures on said frame, said structures eachcomprising an elongated clamping member supported transversely of theframe, a cooperating clamping bar, and support means selectivelypositionable to mount the bar in active position for parallel clampingmovement, toward and away from said clamping member along a guided path,and to carry said bar in inactive position offset outwardly of saidpath, thrust means operable upon said bar when in active position forpressing the same toward said clamping member, a carriage supported andmovable longitudinally of said frame, one of said structures beingmounted upon the frame at one end thereof and the other being mountedupon said longitudinally movable carriage, said frame being providedwith a longitudinally extending rack, said carriage having a rackengaging pinion and a turnable drive wheel, gear means drivinglyconnecting the wheel with the pinion, and latch means on the carriageand selectively operable to release and engage said rack for anchoringthe carriage in longitudinally adjusted position on said frame.

8. In a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material in stretched condition onsaid frame, in position to be exposed to a selected conditioning mediumadapted to be applied to the supported fabric material by associatedmedium emitting means, said carrying means comprising an elongatedclamping member supported transversely of the frame, a cooperatingclamping bar, and support means selectively positionable to mount thebar in active position for clamping movement, toward and away from saidclamping member along a guided path, and to carry said bar in inactiveposition ofiset outwardly of said path, thrust means operable upon saidbar when in active position for pressing the same toward said clampingmember, said thrust means comprising a fluid pressure actuated pistonand cooperating cylinder, supply conduit means extending transversely ofthe frame beneath said elongated clamping member and adapted forconnection with a source of fluid under pressure at one side of saidframe, and a manually operable valve in said conduit at the oppositeside of the frame, said conduit extending thence to and being connectedwith said cylinder medially of said frame.

9. In a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material in stretched condition onsaid frame, in position to be exposed to a selected conditioning mediumadapted to be applied to the supported fabric material by associatedmedium emitting means, said carrying means comprising an elongatedclamping member supported transversely of the frame, a cooperatingclamping bar, and support means selectively positionable to mount thebar in active position for clamping movement, toward and away from saidclamping member along a guided path, and to carry said bar in inactiveposition offset outwardly of said path, thrust means operable upon saidbar when in active position for pressing the same toward said clampingmember, said transverse clamping member comprising a channel bar, abracket on and extending outwardly of said bar, an upstanding mountingmember carried by said bracket in laterally offset relation with respectto said bar, said thrust means and shiftable clamping bar beingsupported on said upright member, said thrust means comprising a fluidpressure actuated piston and cooperating cylinder, supply conduit meansextending transversely of the frame beneath said elongated clampingmember and adapted for connection with a source of fluid under pressureat one side of said frame, and a manually operable valve in said conduitat the opposite side of the frame, said conduit extending thence to andbeing connected with said cylinder medially of said frame.

10. in a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material in stretched condition onsaid frame, in position to be exposed to a selected conditioning mediumadapted to be applied to the supported fabric material by associatedmedium emitting means, said frame comprising a pair of spaced apartlongitudinally extending frame members, and transversely extending endmembers rigidly interconnecting the longitudinally extending members atthe opposite ends of the frame, a carriage mounted on, extendingbetween, and movable along the longitudinal frame members, said carryingmeans comprising a clamping structure mounted on the frame at one endthereof, a cooperating clamping structure mounted on and movable withsaid carriage, said longitudinal frame members forming tracks, saidcarriage comprising a pair of bracket plates provided with rollers andrespectively supported each in position with its rollers engaging thetrack of a corresponding longitudinal frame member, shafts turnablymounted in and extending between said bracket plates beneath the frame,said movable clamp structure including a transversely extending clampmember secured to and extending between said bracket plates above saidframe, rack means formed on said longitudinal frame members, and rackengaging pinions on said shaft in driving engagement with said racks.

11. In a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material in stretched condition onsaid frame, in position to be exposed to a selected conditioning mediumadapted to be applied to the supported fabric material by associatedmedium emittin means, said frame comprising a pair of spaced apartlongitudinally extending frame members, and transversely extending endmembers rigidly interconnecting the longitudinally extending members atthe opposite ends of the frame, means for supporting said framecomprising a bracket clampingly secured upon each of the and members ofthe frame on one side and equally spaced with respect to a longitudinalaxis through the center of gravity of the frame, an upright supportpedestal at each end of the frame, and means pivotally connecting saidbrackets each on one side of a corresponding one of said pedestals, saidpedestals each having an upwardly facing pillow bearing element spacedfrom said bracket pivot in position to laterally engage and support theend member of the frame at a bearing station spaced from the bracket.

12. In a device for conditioning fabric material comprising a frame,carrying means for supporting fabric material on said frame in positionfor exposure to a fabric conditioning medium, said carrying meansincluding fabric clamping means on said frame, at one end thereof, forgripping fabric to be conditioned, a carriage shiftable on said frametoward and away from said clamping means, a fabric clamp on saidcarriage for clampingly gripping the fabric to be conditioned, fluidoperated clamp actuating means on said carriage, including conduit andcontrol valve means for supplying fluid under pressure for the operationof said actuating means, a rack and cooperating pinion means on saidframe and carriage and operable to drivingly shift the carriage on theframe to stretch said material between said fabric clamp and saidclamping means during exposure thereof to the conditioning medium, andmeans operable to dry out the material after exposure thereof to saidmedium.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,120,798 Duecker Dec. 15, 1914 1,565,513 Schramm Dec. 15, 19251,688,088 Nakashian Oct. 16, 1928 1,914,024 Kasanolf June 13, 19331,933,565 Pampaian Nov. 7, 1933 2,188,397 Waterhouse Jan. 30, 19402,214,923 Glover Sept. 17, 1940 2,216,244 Kutsche Oct. 1, 1940 2,223,462Rosenthal Dec. 3, 1940 2,317,826 Templin Apr. 27, 1943 2,345,232Boushelle Mar. 28, 1944 2,443,557 Fitpold June 15, 1948 2,453,730 ShawNov. 16, 1948 2,457,476 Kaplan Dec. 28, 1948 2,522,319 Tinley Sept. 12,1950

